Ryu Soo-young and Choi Hyun-seok Ignite Culinary Synergy in 'Peru Bob', Achieving 1st Place with a Peak Rating of 4.5%

[SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae] SBS's 'Peru Bob' kicked off with a delightful start, tantalizing viewers' taste buds with high-quality jungle cooking from Ryu Soo-young and Choi Hyun-seok.

The first episode of SBS's 'Jungle Bob 2 - Peru Bob' (hereafter 'Peru Bob'), which aired on the 27th, recorded a peak rating of 4.5% according to Nielsen Korea, making it the top-rated terrestrial entertainment program in its time slot. Ryu Soo-young, Choi Hyun-seok, Choi Daniel, and Kim Ok-bin showcased a unique 'taste-making' travel experience in Peru, while studio MCs Jeon Hyun-moo, DinDin, and Heo Young-ji brought the challenges and laughter of the field to life.

From the very beginning of the broadcast, a 'job scam' controversy emerged. Chef Choi Hyun-seok expressed his frustrations, saying, "When I was recruited for the program, it was called a 'gourmet travel' show," adding, "I was told it wouldn't be about self-sufficiency, but it turned out to be an 'experience of Peru's reality'." Jeon Hyun-moo teased him, saying, "You don't look like a fine dining chef," while DinDin chimed in, "It seems like you're just here to complain," eliciting laughter.

After some ups and downs, Ryu Soo-young and Choi Hyun-seok headed to Peru, where they drew the highly anticipated first 'taste-making' ingredient card: 'giant squid.' They set out to fish in the Pacific Ocean at 2 AM, but Choi Hyun-seok struggled with severe seasickness. The duo's 'extreme' chemistry was also a highlight, as Ryu Soo-young's constant chatter only added to Choi Hyun-seok's discomfort. Choi remarked, "I've never met someone who talks more than I do," leaving viewers eager to see what kind of comedic and culinary synergy this 'discordant harmony' would produce.

A local fisherman who joined them for squid fishing prepared a bonito ceviche with roasted corn, and Ryu Soo-young couldn't stop exclaiming how delicious it was. However, as dawn broke, the fishermen decided to return, and when one of them mentioned, "You can find giant squid at the market," the two couldn't hide their disappointment. Watching this unfold in the studio, DinDin joked, "Wouldn't it have been better to just take a deep sleep and go to the market?" adding to the humor.

Ultimately, using an 11kg giant squid they procured from the market, the two engaged in a full-fledged cooking competition. Ryu Soo-young chopped the squid's body to create spicy fish cakes and mild fish cakes, and then quickly prepared squid tempura and seafood tteokbokki, impressing everyone.

On the other hand, Choi Hyun-seok incorporated fine dining techniques into his giant squid dish, creating a squid linguine with chewy handmade noodles. Additionally, he made a 'Peruvian-style braised mullet' using a local fish called 'Riza.' Jeon Hyun-moo, impressed by Choi's spontaneous cooking, remarked, "I think 'Peru Rice' Choi Hyun-seok is cooler than 'Black and White Chef' Choi Hyun-seok," giving him a thumbs up.

Following this, actors Kim Ok-bin and Choi Daniel joined in Peru to enjoy Ryu Soo-young and Choi Hyun-seok's first feast, expressing their amazement. Kim Ok-bin teased Choi Hyun-seok about his squid linguine, saying, "This time, you didn't forget the garlic," referencing a previous incident where he forgot garlic on 'Black and White Chef.' Choi humorously responded, "Is there really a chef in the world who forgets garlic?" turning the scene into a laughter-filled moment.

Meanwhile, 'Jungle Bob 2 - Peru Bob,' which captures the 'taste-making' journey for the ultimate meal, airs every Thursday night at 9 PM.

[SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae]

(SBS Star)